It’s common knowledge that smoking can lead to lung cancer and severe cardio-pulmonary issues that may become life threatening. And while these conditions are serious, there’s another part of your body that’s commonly affected by frequent tobacco use—your mouth and teeth.
Aside from causing teeth discouloration, smoking can also:
Increase your risk of oral cancer
Cause bad breath and bleeding gums
Turn your mouth into a breeding ground for bacteria
Increase your healing time after any oral surgery
Cause tooth decay and plaque buildup
Lead to dry mouth
The Damage Done
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smokers experience poor dental health at four times the rate of a person who has never smoked. More so, those who smoke are far less likely to visit their dentist for regular checkups, leading to severe damage to your oral health.
If you’re a smoker, the best thing you can do for your teeth (and overall health) is to try and kick the habit. We’re happy to give you more information about how you can improve your oral health at your next visit.
It’s never too late to take pride in your oral health!